Police issue warning to parents over dangers of SIMSIMI app linked to cyber-bullying

The PSNI have issued a warning to parents over the dangers of young children using the SIMSIMI app.

The chatbot app has been linked to cyber-bullying and has been banned in the Republic of Ireland.

The app learns responses generated by any user when certain names or words are typed in.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "We don't often take the unusual step of highlighting apps that are circulating out there but we have received a number of reports of concern about SIMSIMI. We have also noticed that some local schools have tweeted and posted on Facebook about this.

"It appears to be a computer generated chat room where you talk to a very abusive computer! We had only been using the app for 2 minutes before we got quite the surprise!

"Please be aware of it and its explicit nature! The app is rated as 17+ and also has in-app purchasing and advertised posts!

"We have reported it to the App Store but parents, carers and internet users should keep an eye out for it and avoid."

The service has already been blocked by Northern Irish educational technology service for schools C2K.

A C2K spokesperson said: Further to news on SimSimi & concerns re cyberbullying, access to the website & use of the app have been blocked on C2k service."